Post navigation

Buccaneers Cheerleaders Share Meaning of Thanksgiving

The Hillsborough County Family Partnership Alliance (HCFPA) is a non-profit organization, run solely by non-salaried foster or adoptive parent volunteers. They provide local caregivers of foster children with resources, trainings, food and clothing assistance and a much needed support system.

Being a previous adoption social worker, I have witnessed the amount of sacrifice and love these foster and adoptive parents provide every day. These families have touched my heart and changed my life throughout the past few years. As a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader, and a part of the Buccaneers organization dedicated to community service, I knew I had to step out and give back to an organization that has so greatly impacted my life.

On November 9, a group of TBBC had the honor to join the HCFPA in their “Thanksgiving giveaway” food pantry. With the holidays approaching, a 14,000-pound donation of food was delivered to HCFPA. With much gratitude, the staff reached out to TBBC for some extra helping hands. As Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders, teamwork is a necessity to our success on the field and throughout the season. Upon arrival, we quickly formed an assembly line and started sorting, bagging and preparing bags of food. Within an hour, 2,800 pounds of canned goods were sorted and each bag was filled to the brim and ready to go. When the doors opened, TBBC and HCFPA staff were waiting with a bag of food and a smile.

As I spoke with the families, I was inspired by their positive attitudes and perseverance. In difficult times they still gave thanks for what they had. I was humbly reminded to be grateful for every blessing in my life. When the line faded, we were all left with a greater appreciation and understanding of how a food pantry is operated and the impact it makes on our community.

TBBC plans to continue volunteering at the HCFPA. We look forward to their upcoming toy drive and spreading some holiday cheer this season! For more information on how you can get involved please check out their website at : http://www.hcfpa.org
Kara